"What?"
Everyone's expressions changed drastically, their gazes toward Elian filled with shock. They had assumed he had barely escaped, but never expected he had turned the tables and killed Lin Baiqi.
Mou Xuanming scrutinized Elian. Clad in pure white robes like fresh snow, his appearance was strikingly handsome, his long hair bound by a silver crown, and his eyes holding a deep, unfathomable calm.
"This youth is ruthless, with sharp and decisive methods," Mou Xuanming thought, his scalp tingling.
"He must not be provoked."
Suppressing his thoughts, Mou Xuanming steeled himself and said, "Since lives have been lost, it's true that this grudge cannot be easily resolved."
"However, with the beast horde looming, I would suggest both families temporarily halt their feud. Let's resolve this after the beast horde has passed."
"Fine," Chen Changxuan nodded, speaking firmly.
"But since the Lin family has been defeated, they must compensate the Chen family."
"If they agree to hand over the Earth Meridian Sutra, the Earthly Divine Thunder, and the crafting method for the Kunwu Earthen Bell, we can consider the matter settled."
"This—"
Mou Xuanming shook his head immediately, a troubled look on his face. "Friend, you must be joking. These are the Lin family's core inheritances. You've already taken Spirit Apricot Mountain. If you make such outrageous demands, the Lin family might truly fight to the death."
"Changxuan, listen to me," Meng Xinghe stepped forward, trying to mediate.
"With the beast horde so close, if your families continue fighting, regardless of the winner, it will lead to disaster."
"It would be better to put the feud on hold until after the beast horde. Then, you can settle the score as you see fit."
Elian exchanged a glance with the elder patriarch, then nodded.
"I can agree to this."
"At least until the next beast horde ends. As long as the Lin family doesn't act first, the Chen family will not strike against them."
"But if the Lin family refuses…"
He looked at Mou Xuanming meaningfully.
Mou Xuanming nodded and said, "Don't worry. I'll handle the Lin family."
Relieved to have calmed the Chen side, Mou Xuanming flew toward Ink Green Mountain. However, as he approached, he was nearly attacked and had to call out loudly in alarm.
"Stop! It's me, Mou Xuanming!"
Upon recognizing him, Lin Mocheng deactivated part of the mountain's defensive array and allowed him in.
Inside, Mou Xuanming went straight to Lin Mocheng and spoke plainly.
"Patriarch Lin, I'm here to mediate."
"Mediation?" Lin Mocheng's face turned cold, and he ground his teeth. "That Elian of the Chen family has killed several of my clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators. This grudge is irreconcilable!"
"I will not rest until he is dead."
Mou Xuanming quickly shook his head, still attempting to reason. "Patriarch Lin, the reality is against you. The Chen family is at its zenith. I'm afraid you can no longer match them."
"Besides, it was your family who acted first. The fault lies with you."
"Enough," Lin Mocheng interrupted, his face icy.
"No matter what, it is impossible for us to let this matter rest."
"I know it's hard to settle things now," Mou Xuanming replied, "but with the beast horde approaching, it would be better to set aside grievances temporarily and focus on survival."
"If any more of your Foundation Establishment cultivators fall, what will happen to your tens of thousands of clansmen?"
"Look at the Zuo family of Feng County. Their fate is a warning from just a few years ago."
Lin Mocheng's expression shifted repeatedly as he suppressed his burning anger.
Finally, he sighed and said to Mou Xuanming, "A temporary truce is possible. But the Chen family must compensate us for killing four of our cultivators, and Spirit Apricot Mountain must be returned."
"Patriarch Lin, that is impossible."
Mou Xuanming sighed in exasperation.
"Chen Changxuan has even suggested that since your family lost, you should hand over the Earth Meridian Sutra, Earthly Divine Thunder, and the crafting method for the Kunwu Earthen Bell as compensation."
"He dares?" Lin Mocheng clenched his fists, barely able to suppress his fury.
"Don't be angry. We've already persuaded the Chen family," Mou Xuanming said, attempting to reassure him.
"They've agreed not to act against you unless you strike first before the beast horde ends."
"Rest assured, the other four major families of Yu County will act as guarantors. For the next twenty years, if either side starts a fight, the rest of us will unite to stop them."
"After twenty years, once the beast horde has passed, you can take your revenge."
Lin Mocheng closed his eyes and nodded.
"I agree."
Through the efforts of Mou Xuanming and the other families, both sides agreed to a temporary truce. A contract was signed, and both clans swore an oath under the threat of inner demons. Thus, the storm threatening Yu County was finally quelled.
Three days later, Elian and the elder patriarch returned to Pingyang City.
In the main hall, the three elders gathered. Chen Qinghao beamed with satisfaction as he spoke.
"Although we didn't destroy the Lin family, this decisive victory has surely dealt them a heavy blow."
"Even with the truce and oaths in place, we've already become mortal enemies. We must stay vigilant against the Lin family."
The elder patriarch turned to Elian and said, "Especially you. You've killed four of their Foundation Establishment cultivators. Lin Mocheng will see you as a mortal foe. You must be cautious."
"Don't worry," Elian replied calmly.
"With the Fiery Void Sword in hand, as long as I don't linger in battle, not even Lin Mocheng can catch me."
Hearing this, Chen Changxuan's stern face softened with a faint smile. This was the advantage of an exceptional natal sword.
The Fiery Void Sword was swift as lightning and, in Elian's hands, rivaled tier-two upper-grade flying swords in speed and power, while consuming only a fraction of the energy. Using it to fly, Elian could easily outrun most late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Lin Mocheng's natal artifact, the Kunwu Earthen Bell, was powerful for defense but was not designed for flight. Additionally, Lin Mocheng lacked a tier-two upper-grade flying sword, leaving him unable to match Elian's speed.
...
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